```
There is no self without objects, hence no arising and no ceasing.
—— "The Sutra of the Boneless One"
...
Jiang Wang shuffled his feet, striving to suppress his restless mind. He had to, and could only, believe in Dong Ah.
Amidst the restlessness in Tongtian Palace, he strained to maintain his calm.
He turned to the inner gate dormitory to greet the solitary Ling He. Despite repeatedly urging caution, he did not know what specific dangers to advise him against.
Ling He noticed something was off with him, but didn't overthink it, assuming it was the succession of disciples' deaths that was unnerving him.
He counseled Jiang Wang not to worry too much and suggested that he would not take on any tasks for a while, advising Jiang Wang to go home and rest for a few days to prepare for the New Year.
Finally, he patted Jiang Wang on the shoulder, saying with a smile, "The tiger will be back soon. Let's drink together! For the New Year!"
That indeed made Jiang Wang smile.
